I've picked up some excellent CTI re-releases and have a few of the
originals on vinyl. The new CTI cd compilation "Birth Of The Groove" is top
notch. A funky jam from start to finish. It's very soulful, extremely
smooth and highly recommended. Deodato's "Prelude" and Lalo Schiffrin's
"Black Widow" are similar. They are also incredibly groovy and have
excellent arrangements. They borderline on disco every-once-in-awhile, but
it's that kick ass wah-wah disco sound - very funky and deep. On the more
jazzy side, I have CTI cds from Freddie Hubbard and Stanley Turrentine as
well. They are both very good electronic jazz and their playing is very
strong. I haven't given them a real good listen yet, but after a couple a
plays they sound pretty nice. The only one I have that's so-so, is the
(Astrud) "Gilberto With Turrentine". It gets a bit too sappy for my tastes
at times, but there are a few nice bossa cuts. I think I have a few more
CTI releases, but I'm spacing on them right now.
At this point I'm almost inclined to say pick up anything with the CTI
label on it. I'm been pleasantly surprised by the label thus far.
If anyone has more releases on CTI, please share some quick reviews with
the rest of us.
MC